FAA Unchains Drones: Beyond-Sight Flights Get Green Light
Published Date: 8/7/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new rules to let drones fly beyond the pilot’s sight safely and regularly, opening doors for cool uses like package delivery, farming, and aerial surveys. These changes affect drone operators, service providers, and anyone involved in drone flights, with clear guidelines coming soon to make flying easier and more secure. Expect these updates to kick in soon, helping the drone world grow while keeping safety and security top priority.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Allows low‑altitude BVLOS drone flights
The FAA proposes rules to allow unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to fly beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight (BVLOS) at low altitudes. The proposal, directed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, is meant to create a predictable pathway for safe, routine, and scalable operations such as package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, civic interest, operations training, demonstration, recreation, and flight testing.
TSA retains security authority for UAS operations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposes complementary regulatory changes so it can continue to impose security measures on BVLOS UAS operations under its current civil aviation regulatory structure. This means operators and service providers will remain subject to TSA’s security requirements as these operations expand.
Enables third‑party UTM and support services
The proposed rule explicitly includes third‑party services such as UAS Traffic Management (UTM) that support BVLOS operations. Service providers that build or operate UTM and related systems are part of the predictable, scalable pathway the FAA intends to create.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-18873, Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations; Denial of Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is keeping the original deadline for feedback on new drone rules that let unmanned aircraft fly beyond the pilot’s sight. This affects drone operators and companies eager to expand drone use safely and quickly. No extra time means everyone needs to act fast, but it helps speed up the process without extra costs or delays.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14989, Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Carmeuse Lime, Inc. SO2
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Ohio’s new rules that limit sulfur dioxide pollution from Carmeuse Lime’s kilns in Seneca County. This means cleaner air for the community and a clear plan to keep pollution in check. The changes kick in soon and help Ohio meet national air quality standards without extra costs.
Next: 2025-15009, Special Conditions: Pratt and Whitney Canada, PW220A; Flat 30-Second and 2-Minute OEI Rating
Pratt and Whitney Canada’s PW220A engine has a cool new power feature that mixes two emergency power ratings into one. Since current safety rules don’t cover this, special new safety standards are being set to keep everyone safe. This affects anyone using or certifying this engine and ensures top-notch safety without extra costs or delays.